GERARD HOULLIER is confident his misfiring Reds can take the spoils - and find the net - in Saturday's lunchtime Merseyside derby, despite a second goal-less draw in three games last night.

GERARD HOULLIER is confident his misfiring Reds can take the spoils - and find the net - in Saturday's lunchtime Merseyside derby, despite a second goal-less draw in three games last night.

The Anfield boss (left) unveiled a new-look attacking side against Tottenham, but still the Reds could not manage to collect three points.

Houllier's side have now been beaten by Chelsea and played out goalless draws with Aston Villa and Spurs in a depressing opening to the new season.

But Houllier was defiant, saying: "The derby will be a different story. I am delighted with the attitude and character my team are showing. The win will come as will the goals."

And frustrated Houllier insisted his new-look attacking Liverpool deserved more than another goalless draw at Anfield.

Houllier shuffled his side and produced arguably the most attacking formation of his reign as manager.

Houllier said: "It was a bold move to put out a team like that, it's just a shame that it did not pay off.

"They had a couple of chances but we were in control for almost all the game but just needed a goal from somewhere. Look at the fouls they committed to stop us, that was the best Liverpool performance of the season and I feel sorry for the lads that we did not achieve more.

"The crowd were not moaning, they could see we were playing good stuff, and I believe there is plenty of encouragement for the future after that."

He added: "A goal would have given us more confidence, we needed to score. But it will come, Michael Owen had one of those nights when he was closely marked and did not get a chance. But I believe we have the strikeforce to turn this around."